PNG to 8-Bit
Convert PNG images to 8-bit indexed color (max 256 colors). Ideal for logos, icons, and graphics. Significantly smaller files, full transparency preserved.
Drop PNG files here to convert to 8-bit
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Up to 20 files — max 20 MB each — ZIP for 3+ files
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What is an 8-Bit PNG?
An 8-bit PNG (also called an indexed PNG) uses a color palette of up to 256 colors instead of storing full 24/32-bit color data per pixel. This dramatically reduces file size - often by 60-80% - while looking nearly identical for graphics with limited colors like logos, icons, diagrams, and UI assets.
8-bit PNGs fully support transparency via a palette alpha channel or a single transparent color index, making them perfect for web icons and ICO favicons.
When to Use 8-Bit PNG
Use 8-bit PNG when your image has a limited number of distinct colors: logos, icons, pixel art, charts, diagrams, simple illustrations, and any flat-color graphic. For photographs or images with gradients, use our PNG Compressor instead, which handles full color more gracefully.
8-bit PNG is also the required format for converting to ICO. If you need to create a favicon, convert to 8-bit PNG first for the smallest output.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For flat-color graphics, logos, and icons, the result is visually identical. For photographs and complex gradients, you may notice color banding. Floyd-Steinberg dithering (enabled by default) helps blend color transitions for a smoother result. For photos, use our main PNG compressor instead.
Yes. 8-bit indexed PNGs support transparency via a palette alpha value. The converter preserves your transparency data. Full semi-transparency (multi-level alpha) is supported through palette optimization.
Start with 64 colors (the default). For simple icons with very few colors, 16 or 32 often works perfectly. For complex graphics, 128 or 256 colors will look better. The preset labeled "256" is the maximum for 8-bit - identical to a standard palette PNG.
Dithering is a technique that mixes available palette colors to simulate colors not in the palette, reducing visible banding in gradients. Floyd-Steinberg is the most common algorithm and produces the best results for most images. Turn it off if you want crisp, hard pixel edges (e.g., pixel art or flat icons where color mixing looks wrong).